Answers Quote by John Stuart Mill
![“[My father] impressed upon me from the first, that the manner in which the world came into existence was a subject on which nothing was known: that the question, "Who made me?" cannot be answered, because we have no experience or authentic information from which to answer it; and that any answer…” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f23/john-stuart-mill-477_answers_my-father-impressed-upon-me-from-the-fir_2509760.jpg)
“[My father] impressed upon me from the first, that the manner in which the world came into existence was a subject on which nothing was known: that the question, "Who made me?" cannot be answered, because we have no experience or authentic information from which to answer it; and that any answer only throws the difficulty a step further back, since the question immediately presents itself, "Who made God?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Autobiography, John Stuart Mill, 1873
The quote expresses existential uncertainty about origins, suggesting that asking who created the universe leads to an infinite regress of questions.
In simple terms: We cannot know the ultimate source of existence.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and focus on lived experience.
Themes
existentialism
philosophy
knowledge
religion
inquiry
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
existential
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- academic discussion
- spiritual contemplation
Key Concepts
metaphysics
epistemology
infinite regress
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to live without ultimate answers?
- How can we find purpose amid uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook practical implications of belief systems.
![“There is nothing," (the author of) Madhyamika-castra[FN#369] says, "that ever came into existence without direct and indirect causes. Therefore there is anything that is not unreal in the world." He says again: "Things produced through direct and indirect causes I declare to be the very things…” quote by Kaiten Nukariya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/587/kaiten-nukariya-793_books_there-is-nothing-the-author-of-madhyamik_1147088.jpg)
![“[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c53/john-stuart-mill-477_doubt_for-people-to-refuse-a-hearing-to-an-opi_63929.jpg)
